The Ghanaian government, represented by spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has refuted allegations leveled against it by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) during a press conference held on February 18, 2025. The GJA’s assertions, according to Kwakye Ofosu, painted a distorted picture of the government’s relationship with the media, wrongly suggesting that the government was actively targeting journalists. Kwakye Ofosu vehemently denied these claims, emphasizing the unwavering commitment of President John Dramani Mahama, himself a GJA member, to upholding press freedom and protecting journalists in the execution of their duties. He argued that the GJA’s narrative was misleading and created an inaccurate impression of an administration that values and respects the role of a free press.
Kwakye Ofosu, expressing his disappointment with the GJA’s portrayal of the government, addressed the media from the seat of government, reiterating the administration’s dedication to preserving media freedoms. He highlighted President Mahama’s affable nature and his cordial relationship with people from all walks of life, including journalists. He underscored the President’s membership in the GJA, portraying him as one of their own, thereby making it implausible that he would preside over an environment hostile to journalists or condone attacks against them. The spokesperson stressed the need to rectify the misleading impression created by the GJA’s press conference, emphasizing the government’s commitment to a free and independent press.
The crux of the government’s rebuttal hinges on the GJA’s presentation of the situation. Kwakye Ofosu argued that the GJA framed the issue in a manner that implied governmental reprisal against journalists for publishing content unfavorable to the administration. He categorically denied these implications, stating that such actions had not occurred and were completely untrue. The government’s position is that the GJA’s narrative misrepresented the facts and created an unwarranted perception of hostility between the government and the media. Instead of a climate of repression, Kwakye Ofosu sought to portray an environment of mutual respect and understanding between the government and the journalistic community.
Kwakye Ofosu’s response focused on dispelling the perception of government-sanctioned attacks on journalists. He emphasized the President’s personal commitment to press freedom, stemming from his own membership in the GJA. This, according to Kwakye Ofosu, makes it highly unlikely that President Mahama would tolerate an environment where journalists are targeted for their work. The government’s spokesperson aimed to reassure the media that the administration values a free press and regards journalists as essential players in a democratic society. He characterized the GJA’s accusations as a misinterpretation of the government’s actions, urging a more balanced and accurate portrayal of their relationship.
To further underscore the government’s commitment to press freedom, Kwakye Ofosu highlighted President Mahama’s own background and affiliation with the GJA. By emphasizing the President’s membership and good standing within the journalistic community, he sought to portray the administration as a supporter and protector of media freedom, rather than an antagonist. The spokesperson’s strategy was to highlight the President’s personal connection to the media, thereby making the GJA’s accusations appear incongruous with his established stance on press freedom. Kwakye Ofosu aimed to reassure the public and the media that the government values and respects the role of journalists in a democratic society.
In conclusion, the government’s response, delivered by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, aimed to dismantle the narrative presented by the GJA, which portrayed the government as hostile to journalists and press freedom. Kwakye Ofosu vehemently denied these allegations, emphasizing President Mahama’s commitment to upholding media freedoms and protecting journalists. He attributed the GJA’s misleading impression to the way they framed the issue, suggesting that their narrative misrepresented the government’s actions and created an unfounded perception of hostility. By highlighting President Mahama’s membership in the GJA and his affable nature, Kwakye Ofosu attempted to portray the administration as a supporter of a free press and to reassure journalists that they are not under attack.
